Nail Gauge?

What gauge nails do you u recommend?

suzieandjesse

Tue, 08/31/2010 - 02:59

Are you referring to nails using a hammer or nails from a nail gun?

The nail gun package that my wife and I just picked up came with both a 16-gauge finisher nail gun and an 18-gauge brad nail gun.  The 16 gauge finisher nails are what we use when the plans call for two-inch nails, and the 18 gauge are what we use when it calls for 1 1/4-inch nails.

Hope that helps!

anawhite (not verified)

Tue, 08/31/2010 - 07:34

Dynamic Duo said:

Are you referring to nails using a hammer or nails from a nail gun?

The nail gun package that my wife and I just picked up came with both a 16-gauge finisher nail gun and an 18-gauge brad nail gun.  The 16 gauge finisher nails are what we use when the plans call for two-inch nails, and the 18 gauge are what we use when it calls for 1 1/4-inch nails.

Hope that helps!


Thanks DD!  I use a 16, wish I had an 18 too!  But for those of us who don't have a nailer  :(  don't despair.  People built with a $10 hammer and regular ole nails for centuries!  Just make sure you purchase finish nails, your hammer has a smooth head, and you use glue.  BUT I highly recommend saving up for a nailer, they are amazing, easy to use, and will do everything from shelves to crown moulding!

suzieandjesse

Tue, 08/31/2010 - 08:12

My wife and I got the Porter-Cable compressor and three-pack tool kit (16-Gauge Finishing, 18-Gauge Brad, 18 Gauge Crown Molding Stapler) from Big ORANGE for $300, but there's a P-C compressor/16-gauge finishing nail gun package in-store for just $200.  And I think you can get the Brad Nail Gun for free if you shop it online at $240 or so, if the deal is still active.

 

When I was loading our big box into the back of the Tribute this weekend, a guy on his way in offered to take the flatbed cart back to the store with him on his way in and mentioned that he got the same package a few years ago and loved it.  His exact quote was "It's always been able to tackle anything that I wanted it to do."  Now that is a glowing advertisement if I've ever heard one!  Haha.

 

EDIT:  And as an addition to Ana's suggestions about hand-driving nails, I recommend getting a Nail set or two (depending on the size of your finishing nails) to ensure that you can get the head under the surface of the wood without damaging it with the hammer.  Something like this should do just fine!

Maria in Maui

Tue, 08/31/2010 - 10:08

Thanks everyone!  I was refering to a nail gun.  I had bought a Porter Cable compressor, and it came with a 16 gauge nail gun that shoots up to 2 1/2 inch nails, and the guy at the store said that was what I needed, but I wanted to be sure. 

Thanks for the help!  Laugh

suzieandjesse

Tue, 08/31/2010 - 10:14

Perfect!  Glad to have a fellow Porter-Cable owner around.  *high-five*

Carrie and 3Chicks

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 05:57

Check around for refurbished nailers.  I picked up a 18 guage that shoots from 5/8" to 2 1/2" Bostitch.  I got it for $30!

There are a lot of places on the web.  I have used tool king for many items.  I'm blessed that I now live in Denver and it is local here!

I also picked up a pancake compressor, refurbished for $80.  Now I have an assembly place in the basement shop and a painting place in the garage shop. :)

 

carrie

amy

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 07:19

Orange has the porter cable set with a 16 gauge and FREE 18 gauge nailer for $199 (bought it today in Ohio).  It is in a special box, as the normal set priced at $199 does not include the 18 gauge.

 

Hope this helps someone!!

suzieandjesse

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 08:13

Yeah, that's the set that my wife and I wanted to pick up but the store manager didn't have any clue about it!  Haha - oh well.  I love my three-tool set!

dena81

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 16:01

I need a little help. I'm getting a 3 gallon pancake compressor in two weeks and it comes with a nail gun with no gauge. It is supposed to shoot up to 2" brad nails. Will this work for right now? And if it doesn't have a gauge what nails can I load it with?

OkieJoe

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 16:23

Dena,

Your nail gun should come w/some indication of the gauge of the nail. I would guess it's either a 15, 16, or 18 gauge nailer, but the specifics should be on the box. Once you get the nailer and compressor in hand, you should be able to do just about anything that Ana gives plans for. If you are getting this used, the gauge of nail required will be on the label on the tool itself. If that is missing, shoot me a PM w/the make and model and I can get you the information you need.

 

Joe

OkieJoe

Wed, 01/12/2011 - 01:33

Looks like it comes with an 18 gauge brad nailer. This would be great for attaching trim pieces, etc. to the projects Ana is kind enough to give us plans to. The compressor itself will be fine for most things around the house. That said, later on you may want to look for an additional nailgun in either 15 or 16 gauge. These shoot a larger nail, and will have more holding power, and longer nails. Just use the wood glue where appropriate, and the 18 gauge nails/brads this shoots will be fine.

dena81

Wed, 01/12/2011 - 02:13

Hey, thanks! That makes me relieved I picked out an okay one to start with! My husband doesn't have a clue about these things! lol!

CarmelClown

Sat, 02/05/2011 - 10:17

Never heard of "Orange" store - what is the full name?  Do they sell online?Frown

CarmelClown

Sat, 02/05/2011 - 10:17

Never heard of "Orange" store - what is the full name?  Do they sell online?Frown

Dan K

Sat, 02/05/2011 - 10:30

Orange is Home depot

Blue is Lowes